Blower Removal/Replacement - A.O. Smith GPVL-50 Service Handbook

BLOWER REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT

BLOWER
Important: Use only factory authorized replacement parts.
If you lack the necessary skills to properly perform the
installation, you should not proceed, but get help from a
qualifi ed service technician.
Tools required:
•
Ratchet with 5/16" socket or 5/16" nutdriver
•
Ratchet with 1/4" socket or 1/4" nutdriver
Removing Blower
1. Set the gas control valve/thermostat to its lowest
setting by turning the knob counter-clockwise to the
VAC point (see Figure 3).
2. Turn gas control switch to the "OFF" position and turn
"OFF" the gas supply to the unit (see Figure 3).
3. Disconnect the electrical power to the water heater
from the wall outlet.
4. Use a 5/16" nutdriver to loosen the screw on
the upper gear clamp of the rubber coupling
adaptor connecting the venting to the blower. Slowly
pull the vent from the adaptor (see Figure 28).
Note: The rubber coupling adaptor will be different
based on the venting size (2" or 3" vent pipe).
5. Use a 1/4" nutdriver or 1/4" socket & ratchet to loosen
the screw on the junction box. Remove and retain the
screw and junction box cover. Disconnect the power
and ground connectors (see Figure 28).
6. Use a 1/4" nutdriver or 1/4" socket & ratchet to loosen,
remove and retain the 6 hex head screws so the blower
assembly can be removed. Remove the blower while
carefully passing the power and ground connectors
through the junction box opening (see Figure 28).
Important: When removing the blower, care must
be taken to pass the power and ground connectors
through the junction box opening so the wires and
blower do not get damaged.
Installing Blower
1. Pass the power and ground connectors through the
junction box opening and place the blower on top of
the water heater.
2. Reconnect the power connector and the ground
connector. Reinstall the junction box cover and screw
removed in step 5 above. Tighten with 1/4" nutdriver
or 1/4" socket & ratchet.
3. Align the screw holes on the blower assembly with
those on the top of the heater. Using the six screws
removed in step 6 above, install the blower assembly
and tighten with 1/4" nutdriver or 1/4" socket & ratchet
(see Figure 28).
4. Reinstall the vent by pushing it into the adaptor. After
confi rming the vent is properly seated in the adaptor, use
a 5/16" nutdriver to tighten the screw on the gear clamp
of the adaptor connecting the venting to the blower.
Important: This connection must be properly sealed
to prevent the leakage of the products of combustion
into the living area.
24
5. Reconnect the electrical power to the water heater in
the wall outlet and turn the gas supply back "ON" to
the gas control valve/thermostat.
6. Restart the water heater by following the directions on
the "Lighting and Operating Instructions" label located
on the front of the water heater.
Note: This power vent heater will accept a 2" or 3" rubber
outlet coupling, depending on the size of the water heater.
This coupling, mounted in the vertical position, accepts
the vent piping and is attached as shown in Figure 28.
Refer to the Manual to determine vent pipe sizing for
your application. The blower assembly may be rotated 90
degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise to allow horizontal
venting in areas having restricted space above the water
heater (see "Rotating the Blower" section).
VENTING
JUNCTION
BOX
COVER
JUNCTION
BOX
SCREW
Figure 28
SCREWS
BLOWER
ASSEMBLY